Citizen journalists, media capture earthquake aftermath in Japan

Japan has been hit by the most powerful earthquake since it started keeping records, and a massive tsunami warning has been issued across the Pacific. Videos show widespread flooding, including ships, cars and buildings being washed away.

Japan was hit by an 8.9-magnitude earthquake Friday, prompting the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center to issue a widespread warning watch for tsunamis.

According to a report in the LA Times, seismologist Susan Hough of the U.S. Geological Survey in Pasadena said the quake "is going to be among the top 10 earthquakes recorded since we have had seismographs. It's bigger than any known historic earthquake in Japan, and bigger than expectations for that area."

The BBC reports a state of emergency has been declared in a nuclear power plant in Japan, but no radiation leaks have been reported.

According to reports, hundreds of people are dead after the 8.9-magnitude quake hit about 400 km (250 miles) north-east of Tokyo at 2:46 p.m. local time.

Video captured by local media and citizen journalists is now making its way online, showing massive damage. While places like Hawaii brace for impact, the damage within Japan is widespread.